Finite-time master–slave synchronization and parameter identification for uncertain Lurie systems

This paper investigates the finite-time master–slave synchronization and parameter identification problem for uncertain Lurie systems based on the finite-time stability theory and the adaptive control method. The finite-time master–slave synchronization means that the state of a slave system follows with that of a master system in finite time, which is more reasonable than the asymptotical synchronization in applications. The uncertainties include the unknown parameters and noise disturbances. An adaptive controller and update laws which ensures the synchronization and parameter identification to be realized in finite time are constructed. Finally, two numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Exergy-based ecological optimization of linear phenomenological heat-transfer law irreversible Carnot-engines

The optimal exergy-based ecological performance of a generalized irreversible Carnot-engine with losses due to heat-resistance, heat leakage and internal irreversibility, in which the heat-transfer between the working fluid and the heat reservoirs obeys a linear phenomenological heat-transfer law, is derived by taking an exergy-based ecological optimization criterion as the objective. This consists of maximizing a function representing the best compromise between the power output and entropy-production rate of the heat engine. A numerical example is given to show the effects of heat leakage and internal irreversibility on the optimal performance of the generalized irreversible heat-engine. The results provide theoretical guidance for the design of practical engines.     

Stability analysis for a second-order continuous finite-time control system subject to a disturbance

In this paper, using finite-time control method, we consider the disturbance analysis of a second-order system with unknown but bounded disturbance. We show that the states of the second-order system will be stabilized to a region containing the origin. The radius of this region is determined by the control parameters and can be rendered as small as desired. The rigorous stability analysis is also given. Compared with the conventional PD control law, the finite-time control law yields a better disturbance rejection performance. Numerical simulation results show the effectiveness of the method.     

An acquisition policy for a multi-supplier system with a finite-time horizon

We study the problem of a manufacturer who outsources a single product to multiple capacitated suppliers. Given a pool of potential suppliers, a decision has to be made about which supplier(s) to use, and how much and how often to purchase from each selected supplier. We build an EOQ-type model with a finite-time horizon, which differs from the existing model in the literature with an infinite-time horizon. We design a dynamic programming and a scatter search algorithm to solve the problem, and provide computational results to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.     

Closed intercooled regenerator Brayton-cycle with constant-temperature heat-reservoirs

The performance of an irreversible closed intercooled regenerator Brayton-cycle coupled to constant-temperature heat reservoirs is analyzed by using the theory of finite-time thermodynamics (FTT). Analytical formulae for dimensionless power and efficiency are derived. Especially, the intercooling pressure-ratio is optimized for the optimal power and the optimal efficiency, respectively. The effects of component (the intercooler, the regenerator, and the hot- and cold-side heat-exchangers) effectivenesses, the compressor and turbine efficiencies, the heat-reservoir temperature-ratio, and the temperature ratio of the cooling fluid in the intercooler and the cold-side heat reservoir on the optimal power and the corresponding efficiency and corresponding intercooling pressure ratio, as well as the optimal efficiency and the corresponding power and corresponding intercooling pressure-ratio are analyzed by detailed numerical examples.     

Hall MHD and Electron Inertia Effects in Current Sheet Formation at a Magnetic Neutral Line

An exact self-similar solution is used to investigate current sheet formation at a magnetic neutral line in incompressible Hall magnetohydrodynamics. The collapse to a current sheet is modelled as a finite-time singularity in the solution for electric current density at the neutral line. We establish that a finite-time collapse to the current sheet can occur in Hall magnetohydrodynamics, and we find a criterion for the finite-time singularity in terms of the initial conditions. We derive an asymptotic solution for the singularity formation and a formula for the singularity formation time. The analytical results are illustrated by numerical solutions, and we also investigate an alternative similarity reduction. Finally, we generalise our solution to incorporate resistive, viscous and electron inertia terms.     

H∞ sliding mode control of discrete switched systems with time-varying delays

The finite-time boundedness issue for a class of discrete switched systems with time-varying delays is investigated via sliding mode control (SMC) approach. By employing the Lyapunov functional and average dwell time method, new sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the finite-time boundedness of the dynamic system in the novel sliding surface. By solving an optimization problem, the sliding mode controller is synthesized such that the discrete reaching condition is satisfied and the chattering is reduced. A simulation example tests the feasibility of the provided SMC scheme.     

普适定常流内可逆热泵循环模型的有限时间火用经济性能优化

用有限时间热力学理论分析了由一个定热容吸热过程、两个定热容放热过程和两个绝热过程组成的一类普适内可逆热泵循环模型的火用经济性能,导出了循环利润率、供热系数与温度比的关系式,由数值计算得到了利润率和供热系数的特性关系。所得结果包含了内可逆Carnot循环、Otto循环、Diesel循环、Dual循环、Atkinson循环和Brayton循环的有限时间火用经济性能。     

Design of finite-time H∞ controller for uncertain nonlinear systems and its application

This paper studies the problem of finite-time H _∞ control for strict feedback nonlinear systems with external disturbance. The finite-time stability theory, H _∞ control method, backstepping technique, together with adding a power integrator tool are combined to design a finite-time H _∞ state feedback controller. The obtained controller can make the closed-loop system finite-time convergent, and the influence of the external disturbance is attenuated to a given degree. Two numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. Meanwhile, the proposed method is also applied to robot manipulators.